The Vikings wouldn't have lost the NFC Championship to New Orleans, perhaps their most painful loss ever.

Ask a Vikings fan if they would rather a) have missed the 2009-10 playoffs completely or b) been seconds away from a NFC-winning field goal attempt before a game-killing interception ended their season. Then hand them a box of Kleenex and stand back.

Favre would be a lot healthier

WCCO - Minneapolis

Since 2008, Favre has suffered a complete tear of a bicep tendon (needing surgery), a sprained ankle (also needing surgery) and severely bruised hamstring in the NFC Championship game, tendinitis in his right elbow, two fractures in his left ankle, and a helmet to the chin that required stitches. Not to mention countless shots, late hits, bumps and bruises that will probably take a couple extra years off his old age.

Favre would be a lot poorer

Daniel Borman via Flickr

Favre has made $36.5 million in salary alone the past three seasons.

His number would already be retired in Green Bay

The No. 4 may still find a permanent place on a Lambeau Field wall someday, but it will be several more years before Packer fans are willing to let their "favorite" son show his face in green and yellow again. Some may never forgive him at all.

Mark Sanchez would not be a Jet

With no Brett Favre to trade for in the summer of 2008, Kellen Clemens starts for New York on opening day. With that year under his belt, he might have become the player the Jets always hoped he would be -- and there would have been no need to trade up for the USC stud at the 2009 Draft.

Randy Moss might still be a Patriot

AP Images

When Bill Belichick decided to shop Moss earlier this year, it's not clear that a Favre-less Vikings team would have taken the call. Or that anyone else would have, either.

Brad Childress might still have a job

AP

There are still some who believe that Tarvaris Jackson, given time and guidance, has the talent to be a top NFL quarterback. Because Favre stole his job the last two seasons, we may never find out if that's true. Or ...